VehicleVerdict

2018 Honda Odyssey electrical system problems

The 2018 Honda Odyssey has 248 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 16% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

248

Electrical System complaints

16%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

20V066000Electrical SystemFebruary 6, 2020 · 241,339 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey vehicles. The wire harness for the third row seat accessory power outlet may get pinched between the unibody and rear trim panel, possibly damaging the wires and causing an electrical short.

Consequence

An intermittent electrical short could overheat the wire harness, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row seat accessory power outlet wire harness for damage, replacing it as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and re-route the harness. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is T6U.

19V299000Electrical SystemApril 12, 2019 · 50,504 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Loose battery terminal connections or a degraded battery may cause the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) to unexpectedly reboot. Upon rebooting, the TCU may shift the transmission to the "Park" position, possibly damaging the parking rod.

Consequence

A damaged parking rod can allow the vehicle to roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will ensure the battery terminal connections are secure and will update the TCU software, free of charge. Additionally, the parking rod effectiveness will be checked. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Z4J, Y4K.

What owners report

WE CAME HOME FROM THE MOVIE THEATER (WHICH WAS ONLY 5 MILES AWAY) AND PARKED OUR CAR IN THE OUR DRIVEWAY. WHEN MY HUSBAND TURNED OFF THE CAR, WE IMMEDIATELY SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. WE SEE SMOKE COMING UP FROM THE HOOD OF THE CAR. MY HUSBAND, KIDS AND I IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND SEE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 9, 2020 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2018 Honda Odyssey have?

NHTSA has 248 complaints about the 2018 Honda Odyssey electrical system — 16% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2018 Honda Odyssey electrical system?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the electrical system: 19V299000, 20V066000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.